11 Reasons: Why is My Cat Coughing?

Is it normal for cats to cough? A cat coughing is such a horrendous noise. It breaks a cat owner’s heart to see their precious little guy suffering.

Similar to humans who cough, coughing is only a protective reflect on ridding problems in the respiratory system such as mucus or an irritable itch. When a cat coughs, it’s usually caused by irritation or inflammation in the bronchi or trachea.

There are many grounds to why a cat can cough. And these reasons may even disturb readers so heads up. If you want to discover why your cat is coughing and if they’re okay then you should read these 11 reasons on why your cat is coughing.

1. Hairballs

Hairballs are the #1 cause for a cat’s coughing. You have probably seen cat’s coughing up hairballs in film before. Usually, it is played for laughs, but here it’s pretty gross. Your cat vomits up a hairball through those horrible hacking noises.

Lucky for you, one can efficiently treat hairballs through medication prescribed by the veterinarian.

2. Asthma

Did you know before that even cats can have asthma? Asthma is another reason why your cat may be having coughing fits. It is also the most common. If your cat is the type to spend most of its time outdoors, they’re most likely to get asthma.

The immune system is inflamed causing the lungs and airways of the respiratory to swell up making it difficult for cats to breathe. Call your vet immediately for proper treatment. Asthma will only worsen your cat’s health over time.

When a cat starts to cough they will cough in the positions known as orthopnea posture. The cats are squatting as the neck is extended towards the ground. Wheezing is also a common sign of asthma.

Cause of Asthma include

Pollen

Perfume

Mold

Obesity

Cat Litter Dust

Stress

Ciggerate Smoke

3. Infections in the Respiratory

Coughing will also indicate an infection in the upper respiratory. Although common in cats other symptoms include sneezing, congestion, runny nose, nasal discharge, gagging and a decreased appetite.

4. Allergies

You never know what a cat may be allergic to. Take note of the symptoms after everything they eat. If they end up developing a horrible cough, then it’s best to avoid giving them this particular food.

5. Heartworms

Oh, those pesky mosquitoes. What are we going to make with them? Mosquitoes are the cause of heartworms.

Cats can also start coughing as symptoms of heartworms also include signs of asthma. Have your vet test your cat to make a precise diagnosis. Then different medication will be prescribed.

6. Fungal Lung Infection

The fungus is in the soil. Your kitty loves to roll around in the dirt picking up all sorts on insects and germs, including rust. Coughing is a symptom of Fungal Lung Infection.

7. Lung Cancer

Cat’s don’t smoke, but lung cancer may also be brought on if their owner smokes. If you believe your cat may have lung cancer watch out for these symptoms.

Pain

Lethargy

Difficulty breathing

Weight Loss

Rapid breathing

Coughing up blood

Fortunately, we can control some tumors with medication or even surgery. Results may vary.

8. Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure happens when the heart cannot pump enough blood into the body causing fluid to back up in the lungs. A cat will have significant coughing fits due to high blood pressure, thyroid disease or congenital disabilities. Sudden death is a huge risk if your cat has congestive heart failure.

9. System Diseases

Coughing may also be a sign of pneumonia or any other underlying disease. An X-ray will inform you of what your cat may have. You never know, your cat may even have the flu. So, it may be easy for cats to contract the diseases you have.

10. Trouble in the Throat

Something could also be stuck inside its throat if you notice them pawing at their mouths. Thus, if they let you, open their mouths to see what is causing the problem.

11. Tight Collars

A cat can also cough due to pressure around its windpipe. Therefore, make sure the collars are fastened comfortably and check the size, too.

Treating Your Cat’s Cough

If your cat’s coughing gets out of control, it’s time to get your vet on the phone. Moreover, cats will become sick or even lose weight due to a cough. History of their health, along with questions regarding the cat’s home environment will be asked.

Vets will diagnose the reason behind the cough through different tests. Furthermore, blood tests, Heartworm antigen tests, and all sorts of laboratory tests will happen. The vet will also need to take an ultrasound of the cat’s heart to make sure it’s healthy. Above all, these tests will distinguish a reason to why your cat is coughing.

Depending on the cat’s overall medical issue, treatments will vary. If your cat’s cough is not a serious issue then over the counter medicines or antibiotics will be prescribed. Also, have your cat take the antibiotics for two weeks and pay attention to their symptoms. Have they stopped coughing? As stated, asthma can be managed.

Can my Cat’s Cough be Prevented?

Bring your cat in for its annual tests at the vet then coughing can be prevented.

Your cat may even be allergic to your perfume. If they show signs of being allergic when you’re around don’t wear this aroma

Don’t use kitty litters that have a scent

Keep your cat active

Keep them under a routine. Changes in daily routine may cause stress

Run a humidifier

Don’t smoke around your cat

Give heartworm medication

Conclusion

There are multiple reasons behind why your cat has that pesky cough. Some of these reasons are not serious. However, it’s best not to ignore and diagnose your cat’s cough much earlier. Never overlook a cat’s cough.

Coughing is one of those signs for help from animals. As the pet owner, you need to diagnose your cat when their symptoms look serious.